Definitions for the word "active" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. a.
Having the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting; -- opposed to passive, that receives; as, certain active principles; the powers of the mind.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. a.
Quick in physical movement; of an agile and vigorous body; nimble; as, an active child or animal.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. a.
In action; actually proceeding; working; in force; -- opposed to quiescent, dormant, or extinct; as, active laws; active hostilities; an active volcano.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. a.
Given to action; constantly engaged in action; energetic; diligent; busy; -- opposed to dull, sluggish, indolent, or inert; as, an active man of business; active mind; active zeal.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. a.
Requiring or implying action or exertion; -- opposed to sedentary or to tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. a.
Given to action rather than contemplation; practical; operative; -- opposed to speculative or theoretical; as, an active rather than a speculative statesman.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. a.
Brisk; lively; as, an active demand for corn.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. a.
Implying or producing rapid action; as, an active disease; an active remedy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. a.
Applied to a form of the verb; -- opposed to passive. See Active voice, under Voice.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. a.
Applied to verbs which assert that the subject acts upon or affects something else; transitive.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. a.
Applied to all verbs that express action as distinct from mere existence or state.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. adj.
1 marked by action; energetic; diligent (an active life). 2 working, operative (active volcano). 3 not merely passive or inert; positive (active support; active ingredients). 4 radioactive. 5 gram. Designating the form of a verb whose subject performs the action (e.g. Saw in he saw a film). n. Gram. Active form or voice of a verb. actively adv. [latin: related to *act]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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